14.9% alc., 600 cases,
$55. Can’t get Paul Lato Wines? Try Hilliard Bruce where Paul is the consulting
winemaker. The wines are not identical to Paul’s but his imprint is evident.
Hilliard Bruce planted 21 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on 101 acres
starting in 2004. The vineyards are Certified Sustainable and are located off
highway 246 near Clos Pepe and directly across 246 from Dos Hermanas
Vineyard (formerly Ashley’s). Aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 16
months.
·This wine is beautifully composed offering enticing aromas of ripe
black cherries, dark berries and cardamom spice, and luscious flavors of the
same fruits with added notes of plum, cola and vanilla. Moderately rich with
tannins that threaten to take over now but tend to mellow over time in the glass. The silky texture is very
seductive. This wine is still a bit closed and will benefit from a few more years in the cellar. Very good.Reviewed October 26, 2012